HR Support Specialist
Reports To
CEO & Executive Director
Department
Operations
Location
Corporate Office, with required onsite work for events, job fairs, and center visits as needed
Status
Full-time, non-exempt
Travel
Regular travel among Sunshine Schools locations and project sites
Role Type
Administrative
POSITION PURPOSE
The HR Support Specialist manages all HR functions, including benefits administration, payroll management, onboarding, offboarding, employee relations, training and development, compliance with NC labor laws, and COBRA regulations.
This role requires a self‑directed, efficient, proactive, highly organized HR professional who can independently manage multiple HR functions while supporting recruiting needs.
Reports directly to the Executive Director for HR items and the CEO and CFO for finance items.
This job description is not all‑inclusive; responsibilities may change as needed, and employees are expected to demonstrate flexibility by supporting other teams, assisting with operational needs, and temporarily filling in for open positions. Employees are not permitted to alter, redefine, or self‑assign duties outside their designated role without prior written authorization from the Executive Director of Organizational Leadership.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Hiring, Screening & Onboarding
Benefits Administration
Payroll Management
Onboarding & Offboarding
Employee Relations
Compliance & Regulation
Recruiting
HR Documentation
HR Reporting
Follow‑Through & Communication
Collaboration with Leadership
BambooHR Utilization & Documentation Requirements
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
- HR certification preferred (SHRM‑CP, PHR).
- 3+ years HR management experience, preferably in an educational or childcare setting.
- In-depth knowledge of early childhood education credentials
- In‑depth knowledge of North Carolina labor laws and COBRA regulations.
- Strong understanding of HR best practices, including benefits administration, payroll processing, and employee relations.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to handle sensitive and confidential information professionally.
- Highly organized, proactive, and self‑directed.
- Strong time‑management skills and ability to manage multiple HR functions.
- Proficiency in HRIS systems (BambooHR) and Google Workspace.
Work Schedule
- This is an hourly, non-exempt position (Eligible for overtime in accordance with FLSA and NC Wage & Hour Act).
- Standard work hours: Monday–Friday, up to 40 hours/week.
- Occasional evening or weekend work may be required (e.g., Family Nights or staff training, etc.).
Additional Expectations
- Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all organizational policies.
- Demonstrate initiative, reliability, and strong follow-through.
- Ensure all responsibilities are completed personally unless written approval for delegation is granted by the CEO, CFO or Executive Director.
- Uphold professional communication with all staff and leadership.
Compliance & Equal Opportunity Statement
Sunshine Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational need. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. This position is governed by North Carolina’s Wage and Hour Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is eligible for overtime pay.